Success of economy inextricably linked to higher education - Empey

26 March 2008

SUCCESS OF ECONOMY INEXTRICABLY LINKED TO HIGHER EDUCATION - EMPEY

Minister for Employment and Learning, Sir Reg Empey, today addressed the University of Ulster’s reconstituted Court and emphasised the importance of higher education in today’s economic environment.

The Minister said: “Growing our economy is vital if we are to provide the wealth and resources required to build the peaceful, prosperous, fair and inclusive society we all want to see.  Building a strong economy requires a well educated population and our universities are a cornerstone in helping us to deliver that ambition.

“We are already achieving success in this area through projects like the ground-breaking new Centre for Rehabilitation Research, departmental funding for an additional 300 PhD places over the next three years and significant permanent investment in research infrastructure.  In addition, my Department has increased the links between higher and further education through our Connected project, which provides businesses with access to a broad portfolio of knowledge and technology support services.”

The Minister concluded: “We have an opportunity to build the type of future our children deserve.  Our universities and further education colleges help to ensure we have the right people, with the right knowledge and skills to create a dynamic, innovative and culturally rich society.”

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The University of Ulster’s newly reconstituted Court has responsibility for appointing the Chancellor, Pro-Chancellors and Honorary Treasurer. Although it has no formal role in the University's decision making processes, it does play an important role in providing an external perspective on the work of the University and its overall direction in the context of wider developments, not just in Higher Education, but in society in general.
  2. Under the Programme for Government, the Department for Employment and Learning is committed to increasing, by 100 places, the annual intake of PhDs it funds.  This will take effect from September 2008.
  3. For further information contact the DEL Press Office on: 028 9025 7872.
  4. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.